Belgium to become first EU country to ban disposable e-cigarettes

From 1 January, Belgium will become the first country in the European Union to implement a ban on single-use vapes, a step aimed at protecting public health, especially among young people.

Disposable vapes, often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, have grown in popularity, especially among younger users.

With colorful packaging, sweet flavors, and the absence of the unpleasant smell of tobacco, these devices have proven to be especially appealing to young people.

Young people

However, experts warn that while vapes may seem less harmful, they still contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. They argue that chronic nicotine use is particularly damaging to the adolescent brain and may increase the likelihood of experimenting with other substances.

Nora Melard, spokesperson for the Alliance for a Smoke Free Society in Belgium, expressed concern over the growing trend.

"Young people start using vapes without always knowing their nicotine content, and nicotine is addictive," she said. "We have young people saying they wake up at night to take a puff. It’s very worrying."

Belgium has acted swiftly to address the risks posed by disposable e-cigarettes, which have been available for over five years.

In 2021, the Belgian government submitted a proposal to the European Commission to ban single-use vapes. In March 2024, the EU gave its approval, allowing Belgium to implement the ban.

‘Ecological disaster’

(with AFP)

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